IAEA safeguards deal for Chashma-5 nuclear power plant secured

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Pakistan have signed a safeguards agreement for the 1,200-megawatt Chashma-5 nuclear power plant, aiming to bolster the country's energy security while adhering to international non-proliferation standards. The agreement, signed at the IAEA's headquarters in Vienna, was unanimously approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in March and governs the application of safeguards at Unit-5 of the Chashma plant.

The Chashma-5 facility is progressing rapidly, with the reactor's dome already in place and commissioning scheduled for 2028. The new unit is expected to provide low-carbon, low-cost electricity to Pakistan's national grid, supporting climate objectives and sustainable economic growth. Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 megawatts, maintaining an average capacity factor exceeding 90pc and a strong record of safe, secure, and safeguarded operations.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Pakistani and Chinese delegations met to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.

Brief written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.